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Rating:
(Before I start writing it, I wanted to dedicate this review mainly to Fede De l. who helped me get to know Rhapsody better, whom I was reluctant to listen to before, but also to my friend Gazzo, who has nothing to do with it but wanted to be thanked... Moreover, it is also dedicated to those who love this band, but especially to the approximately 70% of metalheads who despise this band, hoping that at least they like my review).
We are faced with Power of the Dragonflame, the fourth work (without considering the LP "Rain of a Thousand Flames") and for me among the best of Rhapsody, a true Italian pride. Try to create a power album, add the epic element, choirs, and orchestras (very well directed by Alex Staropoli): this CD will surely be the result!
The ingredients change but not the substance, therefore: in this album, the Trieste-based band makes various modifications that make it clear that they are not a band of little importance as many consider them... In simpler words, the previous works are reinterpreted to which malice, speed, and energy are added, almost a contribution of thrash, to shape a sound that is always pleasant to listen to and better than what we find in "Dawn of Victory" where the orchestras appeared with more intensity but unfortunately created an almost heavy sensation.
This can be noticed in faster songs, however, loaded with melodies and symphonies. Another noteworthy change is the massive use of vocals in English (apart from the ballad "Lamento eroico" sung completely in our language).
However, the structure of the album does not change, composed of ten songs and blessed with the inevitable intro, in this case, "In tenebris" (among other things very beautiful) recited in Latin; to immediately reach the majestic "KnightRider of Doom." Next, we find the title track, in my opinion, the best of the entire package thanks to the energy it conveys.
Other things to note are the malice of "When Demons Awake" mostly sung in growl by Fabio Lione that is very black metal, "The March of the Swordmaster" taken from an old medieval tune, and the finale "Gargoyles, Angels of Darkness" a song that lasts more than nineteen minutes dotted with acoustic guitar parts and fierce riffs.
Perhaps a flaw is given by the somewhat predictable production that risks making this album tedious, but it is certainly the work that consecrated Luca Turilli both as a composer and especially as a guitarist, showcasing a very high level of technique.
An album that should be recommended to lovers of power metal in general, but not to the many who have never tolerated Rhapsody. You either like it or you don't, I really don't think there are middle grounds for a band that has definitely made a lot of noise, both positively and negatively.
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
01 In Tenebris (01:28)
Tenebra, tenebra... domina!
Tenebra, tenebra... danna me!
Let me open the dark portal
and so cross the crypts of ghostland... now...
Tenebra, tenebra... domina!
Tenebra, tenebra... danna me!
Let me see his face...
Furia cieca, caos in me...
Demoni...
lead me to your horned beast named king...
I will call my fire, air, earthlords...
shed my black tears... to stop inferno's breath!
Tenebra, tenebra... domina!
Tenebra, tenebra... danna me!
Tenebra... libera me!
02 Knightrider of Doom (03:56)
The fading illusion the sirens� grey tears
it's here in the cold air the town�s tragic fear
The breath of infernos the rise of the dead
the Portals of Chaos the seventh black flame
(ride) Destino (knight) mi arrendo
... al tuo dominio del tempo!
In this bloody dawn
I will wash my soul
to call the spirit of vengeance
to deny my wisdom for anger
to break the scream of the silent fool
and to be the son of doom
In this bloody dawn
I will wash my soul
to call the spirit of vengeance
to deny my wisdom for anger
to break the scream of the silent fool
to be a knightrider of doom
The rites of the unborn the dragonship�s fall
the waves of my ocean the twins� holy call
The march of the heroes the call of the gods
after the rituals on the silent shore
(ride) Destino (knight) mi arrendo
... al tuo dominio del tempo!
In this bloody dawn
I will wash my soul
to call the spirit of vengeance
to deny my wisdom for anger
to break the scream of the silent fool
and to be the son of doom
In this bloody dawn
I will wash my soul
to call the spirit of vengeance
to deny my wisdom for anger
to break the scream of the silent fool
to be a knightrider of doom
04 The March of the Swordmaster (05:03)
Ride.... die..... sacrifice!
Along the river of bloody tears
the mighty steel shining in my hands
we march and honor our brothers
victims of Kron's evil plan
We cross the lakes of the holy woods
to reach the ocean where red waves rule
the black king is moving to Algalord
this is the time.... he has to be stopped!
HAIL, HAIL!
...Brave swordmaster!
MARCH, MARCH!
...Great swordmaster!
and I ask the wind for the fall of the king...!
INTO THE RAY OF THE SUN
MARCH OUR HERO HUNTING THE DARKLORD
REBORN FROM THE BLOOD OF HIS GOD...
HIS GOD...THE WARMASTER KRON
RIDE FOR THE FALL OF HIS POWER
FIGHTING THE STORM, THE ROAR OF THE THUNDER
ALLY OF THE SUN AND THE MOON...
GREAT SWORDMASTER RULE!
Between the waves of the raging sea
echoes of warcries and battle hymns
the underworld's armies found their ancient queen
the funeral march in the depths of the abyss
The terror which strikes the honor which prays
will be face to face in the mortal doomsday
resist my fierce soldiers their vision can kill
it will test your corage... and your will to live
HAIL, HAIL!
...Brave swordmaster!
MARCH, MARCH!
...Great swordmaster!
and I ask the wind for the fall of the king...!
INTO THE RAY OF THE SUN
MARCH OUR HERO HUNTING THE DARKLORD
REBORN FROM THE BLOOD OF HIS GOD...
HIS GOD...THE WARMASTER KRON
RIDE FOR THE FALL OF HIS POWER
FIGHTING THE STORM, THE ROAR OF THE THUNDER
ALLY OF THE SUN AND THE MOON...
GREAT SWORDMASTER RULE!
To avenge all those cries I will rise to the sky
to defend mother life..
Ride... die... sacrifice!
05 When Demons Awake (06:46)
Oh god don't forsake me, I need to survive
the unholy vision, the eternal bloody night
He pronounced the rites, the slimy queen's awake
the cause is the sword, my sword in Akron's hands
The vomit of evil, the venom of death
is crashing my wisdom, is blocking my legs
They all suck the blood, have ecstasy in pain
eating their flesh, devouring their brains
Dead and vampires spit out from hell...
is the new legion of the lord of the damned
The vengeance of the gods, soon their heads will roll
Oh, bringer of chaos... you will pay for all!
Bowels' rain around me, brothers mutilated
oh disfigured faces, flying army and bones
Fuck you bloody bastard, demon's raped soul
die into oblivion with your shitty sons
I'M THE NORDIC WARRIOR
HUNTER OF THE MARCHING DEAD
I'M THE BLOODY HAND OF TYTANS
WHEN... WHEN DEMONS AWAKE
Inferno apri rubami l'anima
voglio sfidare l'oscuro demone
Tutto e' in me, cielo e oceani
fratelli gargoyles, volate qui da me
Oh god don't forsake me, I need to survive
the unholy vision, the eternal bloody night
He pronounced the rites, the slimy queen's awake
the cause is the sword, my sword in Akron's hands
The vomit of evil, the venom of death
is crashing my wisdom, is blocking my legs
They all suck the blood, have ecstasy in pain
eating their flesh, devouring their brains
I'M THE NORDIC WARRIOR
HUNTER OF THE MARCHING DEAD
I'M THE BLOODY HAND OF TYTANS
WHEN... WHEN DEMONS AWAKE
07 Lamento eroico (04:38)
Langue in me l�eco infranto
al truce sguardo dell�angelo cieco
rovina in me l�antica rima
nel cuor del cigno ferito � morente...
Cosmi di eternit� tradita
di verit� svanite che ora versano
lacrime d�addio in un vuoto nero...
sincero � fiero al mio destino andr�...
Urla il tuono!!
al mio lamento eroico
sorte...consuma la realt�!
Spiriti di mondi arcani
chiedo la vita al di l� della morte
per allinear le stelle amiche
� diventar guardiano celeste
Custode di eternit� guarita
di verit� trovate per tutti i figli di madre terra...
sempre a lei ho dato la vita...la morte...
si continuer�!
Urla il tuono!!
al mio lamento eroico
sorte... consuma la realt�! (X2)
09 The Pride of the Tyrant (04:51)
Back into the fire I will have my sword
He won one fight but not the total war
Hurricanes will wipe out the dynasty of Kron
The chains of steel can't hold the holy storm
Sunshine is lighting the ruins of the ancient town
the seven towers are screaming their pain so loud
With my eagles I'll fly free
from snowy mountains to crystal seas
Dargor don't believe him... listen to my words!
You are the one who can still save your soul
Akron is the bastard... he massacred all
The evil hand that serves the will of Kron
You hate the tyrant as I and now don't deny
Give me the power to show you that I am right
With my eagles I'll fly free
from snowy mountains to crystal seas
WE WILL FLY TO THE EMPIRE OF STEELGODS
TO DISCOVER THE SECRET OF STORMS
AND AGAINST THE BLACK PRIDE OF THE TYRANT
WE'LL USE IT TO DEFEND OUR THRONE
Seven flames to not forget, to be sure I'll not regret... ever!
...to become the rage of god... Chaos bringer worse than Kron... beware!
Back into the fire i will have my sword
He won one fight but not the total war
Dargor don't believe him... listen to my words !
You are the one who can still save your soul
You hate the tyrants as I and now don't deny
Give me the power to show you that I am right
With my eagles i'll fly free
from snowy mountains to crystal seas
WE WILL FLY TO THE EMPIRE OF STEELGODS
TO DISCOVER THE SECRET OF STORMS
AND AGAINST THE BLACK PRIDE OF THE TYRANT
WE'LL USE IT TO DEFEND OUR THRONE
11 Gargoyles, Angels of Darkness: I. Angeli di Pietra Mistica / II. Warlords' Last Challenge / III. ...and the Legend Ends... (19:02)
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By Lustmord
"Power Of The Dragonflame arrives like manna from heaven to silence all those who considered them dead."
"Exciting, adrenaline-filled, and tremendously epic!... RUSH TO GET IT, DAMN IT!"
